On Wednesday 16 October 2024, over 160 representatives from health, leisure, local council, voluntary, sport and physical activity sectors came together at the Kent Event Centre in Detling for Active Kent & Medway’s annual conference. Continuing our support of the county’s strategy for sport and physical activity Move Together, which was launched in 2023, the theme of this year’s conference was ‘Move Together to promote equality, value diversity, support inclusion’.
Liz Davidson, our Director and Graham Razey, our Active Partnership Chair, welcomed delegates to the conference and shared an update on our progress over the last 12 months. Donna Fraser OBE, 4x Olympian and former 400m sprinter for Great Britain, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote, sharing details of her Olympic career along with some useful insight into her experiences and learning in equality, diversity and inclusion.
Donna Fraser OBE commented, “It’s been fantastic to be here talking all things equality, diversity, inclusion. I’ve had the opportunity to share my story, my journey in this space, but it was also an opportunity to hear about the great work being done in this area across Kent.”
Delegates heard from representatives within the sport and physical activity sector as they took part in Q&A panel sessions with Rob Smith, our conference host. Guest speakers included representatives from Ashford Sensory Football Club, Sense Active, Punjab United FC Gravesend, Dartford Borough Council and Places Leisure (Fairfield), who shared their stories and approaches in helping to make activity more accessible for all.
During the afternoon, delegates had the opportunity to attend briefing sessions delivered by a range of partners. Sports Connect UK were in attendance and they shared their thoughts on the day:
“The conference was an inspiring space where we engaged in meaningful discussions about how we can collaborate to create more inclusive environments for people of all backgrounds and abilities. It was a powerful opportunity to reflect on the current inequalities that prevent some from accessing the mental and physical benefits of regular physical activity.”
Liz Davidson, our Active Partnership Director, said “I’d like to thank the speakers, the delegates and the Active Kent & Medway team for making the day such a great success. We look forward to working with all our partners so we can continue to move together to promote equality, value diversity and support inclusion.
To offset the carbon footprint of this year’s conference, we pledge to plant a tree for every delegate in attendance. The team will be supporting Kent Tree Plan on 15 November 2024 to plant 160 trees in Northfleet Urban Country Park, Gravesend.”
The following film captures some highlights of the day, plus feedback from delegates and speakers.
